8 Things You Shouldn't Say to Moms Who Bottle Feed

To bottle feed is not a crime. At the end of the day, a mom has to do what's best for her and her child. So, enough with the milk shaming!

8 Things You Shouldn't Say To Moms Who Bottle Feed

Many advocates say that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world. However, there are others who experience difficulty doing so. As a result, they decide to bottle feed their babies instead.

Unfortunately, sometimes, this decision to bottle feed comes with a price. Some are made to feel guilty for making a decision they feel is best for their own child. Why? Are women less of a mom when they choose to bottle feed their babies?

All moms just want what is best for their child. Avoid shaming those who choose to bottle feed by avoiding saying these 8 offensive statements to them.

"Why didn't you try harder? Isn't he worth it?"

It’s easy for people to assume that one didn’t try hard enough. Sharon Cabral – Roy, mom of 1 says that she did try and was even hospitalized twice due to mastitis. It was heartbreaking for her to follow her OB-Gynecologists’ orders to stop breastfeeding to avoid further complications.

"Did you know that breast milk is the healthier option? Breastfed children are not sickly."

Kaje Salvador, stay-at-home mom of 2 and Vix Parungao, stay-at-home mom of 1, knew this. Being asked this question made them feel as if people thought they were clueless but they’re proud to say that their bottle fed kids aren’t sickly at all.

"You will not be as close to your child as you would if you breastfeed her."

Breastfeeding helps moms create a strong bond with their child. Denise Rayala, stay-at-home mom of 1, knew that but she believed breastfeeding is not the only way to be close to her daughter. Despite deciding to bottle feed, Denise and her now five-year-old daughter are still inseparable.

"It's okay for you not to breastfeed. You can afford to spend for formula anyway."

Marge Aberasturi, mom of 3, had several complications while giving birth. She became too weak and unable to supply enough milk for her baby. Her decision to bottle feed had nothing to do with her being able to afford formula.

"Why don’t you consume more soup and take more supplements to increase your milk supply?"

Carina Bilgera – Cabasis, mom of 1, did all that and more but her milk supply still did not increase. It’s frustrating for moms to keep hearing suggestions they’ve already tried but didn’t work at all.

"You should just breastfeed. You don’t work anyway."

Millie Manahan, mom of 4, says that just because a mom doesn’t have a job that pays doesn’t mean she has no right to choose bottle feeding if that is the option she thinks is the best for her child at that time.

"You should have tried harder. You’re not doing it right."

Carla Perlas, mom of 1, already knew this and didn’t need somebody reprimanding her for it when she was already struggling and feeling guilty. Admonishing moms doesn’t help.

"It is your fault your milk supply depleted because you're not making an effort to breastfeed directly."

Patricia Cuyugan, mom of 1, had a job that required her to be out of the house a lot. So, she pumped instead but it still wasn’t enough. Don’t make moms feel it’s their fault their jobs take them away from their babies. They’d be home if only they could.

8 Things You Shouldn't Say To Moms Who Bottle Feed

The bottom line is, all moms need support whether they breastfeed or not. Don’t be quick to judge moms who choose to bottle feed in the same way that we shouldn’t shame those who breastfeed. Bottle feeding is also not a sin. Moms have their reasons for deciding to do so and we have to respect that.

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Written by

Janice Lim

Baby Health & NutritionBottle FeedingEnglish